Live Chat: 'Here's to successful fertilization'
Are you ready to laugh, cry and swear off the opposite sex? You better be, because our latest podcast is now ready for an unofficial debut.
The subject: the great 1988 John Hughes semi-autobiographical flick "She's Having A Baby."
Click here to download it. It's not on iTunes yet, so you'll have to use the this link.
Among the topics that are discussed:
- Is this John Hughes' best flick of the 80s? Or possibly just his most under-rated one?
- OK, so maybe it's not his best flick. But is this the best soundtrack?
- Which co-star steals all the best lines -- Alec Baldwin, John Ashton, maybe even the great Dennis Dugan as Kevin Bacon's disgruntled mentor at the ad firm?
As always, I'm here and free to chat as you listen to the show. Gotta love Saturday chats. Hit me with whatever topic you like. Meanwhile, the obligatory list.
TOP 5 MEMORABLE LINES FROM SHE'S HAVING A BABY:
5. "College is like high school with ashtrays."
4. "He's plenty old and people don't mature anymore. They stay jackasses all their lives."
3. "You're quite the barbecue chef, Jake."
2. "How do you feel about alcoholics?" ... "Um, I like alcoholics?"
1. "You BURNED the dog!"
Relive the music, movies and culture of the greatest decade ever with Times online editor Steve Spears. A teen during the decade, Steve is obsessed with everything from Duran Duran to Journey, John Hughes to John Cusack, and parachute pants to Reaganomics.
E-mail Steve Spears:
Good morning 80's nation!
Posted by: Sherrie | February 23, 2008 at 08:52 AM
Oddly, I don't think I've ever seen "She's Having A Baby". 1988 was my first year of college, I was still working at a movie theater so I should have seen it... Maybe it was the shock of seeing Kevin Bacon in a suit on the poster...Ren should never be in a suit, unless he's at the big dance!
Posted by: Sherrie | February 23, 2008 at 08:55 AM
Hey! I am watching the movie as I type this. Sadly, I have to get ready for work. Yes, I think it's a travesty, too. Doesn't my boss understand the importance of my need to be around during the unveiling of something that has become part of my DNA?
Anyway, I think this movie was vastly under-rated. I could go on and on, but Kristy is about to tell Jake she's pregnant.
Posted by: Marissa | February 23, 2008 at 09:00 AM
Lots of surprises in this week's show.
But meanwhile, check this out: Footage of Journey playing a live show with their new singer:
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=91365
Posted by: Spears | February 23, 2008 at 09:02 AM
Lots of surprises? Hmmm....that sounds interesting.
Whos' the crew for this one?
Posted by: Sherrie | February 23, 2008 at 09:04 AM
Surprises? Hmmm and I'll have to wait until after 6 to find out. Daggnabit! I'll be all spazzy at work, now.
Posted by: Marissa | February 23, 2008 at 09:05 AM
Good mornin' Marissa! Are you still in sub-polar temps and cr*ppy weather there?
Posted by: Sherrie | February 23, 2008 at 09:05 AM
OK, I'm over-selling it. No surprises really. But I think it's a decent show so far.
Posted by: Spears | February 23, 2008 at 09:06 AM
"I'll have to burn the sheets!"
"Schwuck. I don't know what it means, I heard it on the bus."
"It's like high school with ashtrays."
"You burned the dog!"
Posted by: Dominic | February 23, 2008 at 09:10 AM
OK, that Journey video is a little scary. That's the first time I've heard the new PerryClone. Clearly, he has entered into a Faustian deal with the devil to steal Steve Perry's voice.
Posted by: Sherrie | February 23, 2008 at 09:10 AM
Sherrie, I'm so sick of temps below 20. It's blechy. Half snow/half dead grass. Very dreary.
Thank God I have you Floridians to remind me of what I'm missing by living in the midwest.
Posted by: Marissa | February 23, 2008 at 09:11 AM
It's nice and warm here in Florida. Sherrie and I are going skinny dipping a little later.
Posted by: Spears | February 23, 2008 at 09:11 AM
Aw, why'd you have to tell, Steve? :) Really Marissa, I've got the AC cranking here 'cos it's so durn hot.
Posted by: Sherrie | February 23, 2008 at 09:12 AM
Great lines, Dominic. I'm prone to yelling "You burned the dog!" through the office walls on Fridays when Sean walks away from me.
Posted by: Spears | February 23, 2008 at 09:13 AM
This is movie is where I heard one of my favorite songs of all time, This Woman's Work by Kate Bush. So much, that I went out that evening to a Record Bar and bought the cassette.
Posted by: tbrewster | February 23, 2008 at 09:13 AM
I! HATE! YOU! STEVE!
Posted by: Marissa | February 23, 2008 at 09:13 AM
Hi Steve,
Can't wait to hear the podcast. I hope you discuss the very beautiful use of Kate Bush's "This Woman's Work" in the pivotal scene from "She's Having a Baby." What a great moment.
I watched all of the video of Journey with their new singer. Wow, he was really, REALLY shaky. I hope things improve from here. He looked nervous, was pitchy, and had nearly zero stage presence. It is one thing to sing Journey songs in a lounge band on a cruise ship. It is quite another to sing the songs with the actual band with the weight of Journey's legacy on one's shoulders.
I hope this wasn't a misstep by Journey to bring in a guy that had so little big time experience.
Posted by: Derek | February 23, 2008 at 09:13 AM
Ah, Miss Riss -- we do our best to send you some Florida sunshine whenever we can.
It's a glorious 72 degrees here -- and I've already switched to using my tinted moisturizer with the higher SPF.
sawry...
Posted by: jane | February 23, 2008 at 09:15 AM
Nah, I'm kidding... I am just tired of bundling up like Nanuk of the North.
Posted by: Marissa | February 23, 2008 at 09:15 AM
::tears:: Kristy just told Jake the baby was a boy; and he's fine. Bryan Ferry is singing. The world is a happy place ... until I have to go to work.
Posted by: Marissa | February 23, 2008 at 09:21 AM
Record Bar! Wow, I haven't thought about that place in years. Great reference, tbrewster.
Although I was more of a Camelot Music chick myself -- I even made friends with a couple of the clerks who would let me know when the music shipments came in on Tuesdays so I could get whatever cassette I was jonesin' for right away.
Posted by: jane | February 23, 2008 at 09:22 AM
Gotta run, my son wants the computer. I'll be back later to hopefully get a sneak peek of the podcast.
Posted by: Sherrie | February 23, 2008 at 09:22 AM
Truth be told, I wasn't kidding the other day on the blog when I said I've already been skinny dipping this week. Twice now! I'm not saying it didn't resemble a scene from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, but I survived.
Posted by: Spears | February 23, 2008 at 09:22 AM
I was a huge Camelot Music fan as well. Though up in North Pinellas County, where I grew up, the ultimate place was Record & Tape Outlet in Dunedin.
Posted by: Spears | February 23, 2008 at 09:26 AM
Steve! You saucy thing, you.
Posted by: Marissa | February 23, 2008 at 09:26 AM
Chicago Record Bar here in K3. Where one could buy albums and 'paraphenalia.' Although, I had no idea why people would want to roll their own cigarettes when they could buy them at the store. hmmmm
Posted by: Marissa | February 23, 2008 at 09:27 AM
I'd suggest that all the women of the blog who've had kids discuss their experiences, but since I won't be around, I'll just let it slide lol
Posted by: Marissa | February 23, 2008 at 09:29 AM
I don't think we had anything comparable to the Record & Tape Outlet here in St. Pete back in the day. But I was a regular at all the used music joints in Gainesville. Nothing like skipping class to go music hunting...
Posted by: jane | February 23, 2008 at 09:32 AM
I think I'll pass on the sharing of my birth experience, Miss Riss... talk about a Debbie Downer tale. Also why watching the "This Woman's Work" scene was really hard for me.
Anyway...
How about the score to the movie? Brilliant -- and such a talented (and hot) composer to boot!
Posted by: jane | February 23, 2008 at 09:35 AM
Favorite Kevin Bacon lines any movie ...
"Hey I thought this was a party ... let's DANCE!"
"And what did David do? What did David do? He danced."
"Hey, I like that hat. Do they sell men's clothing where you bought that hat."
"I ... like alcoholics?"
Posted by: Spears | February 23, 2008 at 09:48 AM
I actually thought of that after I hit 'post' Jane. 20/20. As trying as your experience was, it serves as inspiration, as well.
Anywho, before I get all earnest and mess up my playful reputation ...
Posted by: Marissa | February 23, 2008 at 09:49 AM
And here I was, trying to change the subject. Typical guy maneuver.
Posted by: Spears | February 23, 2008 at 09:54 AM
It was an excellent attempt, Steve. Kudos for trying.
Posted by: Marissa | February 23, 2008 at 10:00 AM
No worries, Miss Riss -- I'm used to the myriad emotions my tale brings.
Anyhoo as well for me, before I get all contemplative and pondering...
Still say the movie score is genius.
And "I like... alcoholics?" works for me.
Posted by: jane | February 23, 2008 at 10:02 AM
Random thoughts...
While I ADORE Alec Baldwin more than a woman should, I do believe I prefer version 2008 to version 1988.
Holland Taylor is fab in absolutely everything I've ever seen her in.
I love playing Spot the Actor in movies and this one gave me lots of chances: Lili Taylor at the fertility clinic; the nurse from M*A*S*H as the delivery nurse; and Edie McClurg!
Plus all the groovy cameos at the end.
Posted by: jane | February 23, 2008 at 10:11 AM
If you haven't seen Baldwin in "The Cooler" and "Elizabethtown", you're letting the best of life pass you by.
Posted by: Spears | February 23, 2008 at 10:17 AM
The names suggested during credits had me rolling. It was a perfect way to offset the emotional tail-end. Leave 'em laughing.
Woody Harrelson: Mucus
Posted by: Marissa | February 23, 2008 at 10:17 AM
My 3 favorite lines:
"B.A. in romance languages, minor in Elizabethan poetry."
"How do you feel about slave wages? How do you feel about alcoholics?"
"You know what 2 things I like about you most Briggsy - your wife... and your lawnmower."
Posted by: Tonianne | February 23, 2008 at 10:21 AM
Stewart Copeland (c'mon, you knew this was coming): Horatio.
And shamefully, I've not seen "The Cooler" nor "Elizabethtown." I get my Alec fix on Thursday nights (30 Rock, y'all!) but I've added these two flicks to the Netflix queue.
Posted by: jane | February 23, 2008 at 10:22 AM
LOVED The Cooler...and Jane, Holland Taylor does not age.
Posted by: Tonianne | February 23, 2008 at 10:23 AM
You're absolutely right about Holland Taylor. She's brilliant on "Two and a Half Men." I catch it in re-runs.
Posted by: Marissa | February 23, 2008 at 10:25 AM
My all-time favorite Baldwin line? "Coffee is for closers."
Posted by: Tonianne | February 23, 2008 at 10:26 AM
Sorry I'm quiet. I'm editing in "This Woman's Work" and I'm sorry, but it drives me to tears every time. I keep seeing Kevin Bacon's father-in-law give him that reassuring nod, and I just melt like some over-hormoned American Idol flunky.
Posted by: Spears | February 23, 2008 at 10:27 AM
I've loved Holland Taylor ever since "Bosom Buddies." And you are correct, Tonianne -- she does not age.
*Shameful admission: I watch Two and a Half Men. It makes me laugh every time -- and who can resist Jon Cryer and Holland Taylor and yes, Charlie Sheen. Oh -- Conchata Farrell, who's been in everything since the beginning of time but is always fab.*
Posted by: jane | February 23, 2008 at 10:28 AM
Oh, Mr. Spears. Trust me -- even if I hadn't experienced something eerily similar to that scene, I'd weep. It's powerful and the music simply provides the emotional backbone.
Posted by: jane | February 23, 2008 at 10:30 AM
My all-time favorite Baldwin line (at least for the moment):
"Never go with a hippie to a second location."
From the Carrie Fisher episode of "30 Rock," natch.
Posted by: jane | February 23, 2008 at 10:34 AM
Aww, Steve. It's a strong man who'll admit he cries like a girl. It just makes you all that more endearing.
Posted by: Marissa | February 23, 2008 at 10:34 AM
Jane, did you ever watch a short lived series with Conchata Farrell as a front desk clerk .. Hot L Hotel ... or something like that. The cast included the farmer from "Babe." I can't remember his name and no time to do a search on IMDb.
Posted by: Marissa | February 23, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Quick vote: Most emotional scene of ANY John Hughes movie? It's gotta be "This Woman's Work" in the ER for She's Having a Baby. What else comes close?
Posted by: Spears | February 23, 2008 at 10:37 AM
There are a ton of movies that turn me into a sobbing mess. Surely, the ending of this one. Also Elizabethtown, basically because it's about a guy losing his dad, and I knew my dad was already on borrowed time when I first saw that movie. I still can't bring it to let other people in my family watch it.
And of course, Field of Dreams. Probably for the same reason.
Posted by: Spears | February 23, 2008 at 10:39 AM
Hot L Baltimore.
James Cromwell.
And yes, when I was a wee lass with a TV with rabbit ears and tubes and no remote control, I remember watching this show.
Posted by: jane | February 23, 2008 at 10:40 AM
Ok, kids. I have to hit the road and get to work. Enjoy the live chat. I'll try to catch up when I get home,but I have a feeling there'll be mucho conversation with this heartfelt podcast. Might take me awhile.
xo
Posted by: Marissa | February 23, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Yes! Jane didn't fail me. I knew someone else in the world saw it other than myself. WOOT! OK, now I'm really leaving. bye!
Posted by: Marissa | February 23, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Sobbing mess movies, sad edition:
Terms of Endearment
She's Having a Baby
Steel Magnolias
Dying Young (shut. up.)
Philadelphia (this one rendered me so emotional that I had to sit in the theatre for like 15 minutes before I could get up the strength to leave)
Driving Miss Daisy -- because my nana was severely in the grip of Alzheimer's at the time the movie came out and it hit really close to home
Posted by: jane | February 23, 2008 at 10:46 AM
Getting VERY close to finishing the podcast. Figure on maybe 12:30 for launch time at this point.
Posted by: Spears | February 23, 2008 at 11:11 AM
If you ladies want to hear a song that will reduce you to a weepy mess, check out "Walking Her Home" by Mark Schultz.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6L_FhOtPuk
The third verse got me.
Posted by: Bassnote | February 23, 2008 at 11:15 AM
Greetings 80's nation. Many hellos and hopefully your healthy and happy.
I just read up on the posts:
my two cents, the Steve Perry stand-in is just not the same. Please come home Steve P.
Someone mentioned M*A*S*H. Who didn't get a lump in their throat when the first Commander's (I believe his name was COL Blake) plane crashed when he was going home.
Movies that brings me to tears from the 80's, oh my beloved Valley Girl. I can totally relate to Randy getting dissed at the front door of Julie's house. Such pain. MEDIC!
Wrath of Kahn, Spock dying, I'm getting choked up thinking about Spock. E'tu 80's nation?
I finally listened to the 80's Oscar Podcast. I must say I enjoyed your guests input.
Posted by: Mike in Austin | February 23, 2008 at 11:31 AM
Bassnote, what a song, I'm trying to keep it together at the breakfast table. I have 3 girls. Damn you Bassnote!
Posted by: Mike in Austin | February 23, 2008 at 11:43 AM
When I wrote 'you ladies', I was not trying to dis any of the guys here. I was actually referring to the ladies that were posting about movies that made them cry. that was not a shot at Steve either because I had not read his post before I wrote mine.
Posted by: Bassnote | February 23, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Sorry Mike. I had to explain to my daughters last week why I was weeping like a baby after hearing it.
Posted by: Bassnote | February 23, 2008 at 11:46 AM
Damn brother, I feel your pain. I always ask my oldest daughter (11 yrs.)
Will I be the only man in your life?
She answers "Yes daddy, I'm your girl"
Enough. I have to study.
All the love,
Mike in Austin
Posted by: Mike in Austin | February 23, 2008 at 12:00 PM
OK, show is edited and produced. Now I get to sit here, eat a hot dog, chug a Diet Dr. Pepper and watch my Mac slowly export the file.
Posted by: Spears | February 23, 2008 at 12:06 PM
Another minute or two and we'll be sitting in gravy.
Posted by: Spears | February 23, 2008 at 12:24 PM
In my best Judge Smails voice, "We're waiting!"
Just teasing.
Posted by: Bassnote | February 23, 2008 at 12:33 PM
It's uploading as we speak. You'll have to get the link from the main blog item. I'm NOT loading it into iTunes until Tuesday, so this is the only way to hear it ahead of time.
Posted by: Spears | February 23, 2008 at 12:37 PM
http://blogs.tampabay.com/80s/files/stuckinthe80s116.mp3
Posted by: Spears | February 23, 2008 at 12:37 PM
OK, I'm downloading it.
Only 35 more minutes.
Posted by: Jeff in Cuba | February 23, 2008 at 12:39 PM
Listening now. Love the cerebral opening.
Posted by: Bassnote | February 23, 2008 at 12:49 PM
Dug the faux-open... very Masterpiece Theatre.
However, give me the lowest common denominator-type jokes or give me death... welcome back, Mr. Daly.
Posted by: jane | February 23, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Awfully quiet out there. Any feedback?
Posted by: Spears | February 23, 2008 at 01:08 PM
Hey gang, we just passed 100,000 page views this week on the blog. A new record for Stuck in the 80s. My eternal thanks to all of you for hanging out here every day. I owe you all a bag of Funyuns.
Posted by: Spears | February 23, 2008 at 01:10 PM
I'll expect my funyuns in the mail asap!!
Posted by: Carla | February 23, 2008 at 01:13 PM
But not signed by Sean... signed by you!
Posted by: Carla | February 23, 2008 at 01:14 PM
I'm listening... but to evoke another late '80s movie, "Parenthood" is calling. Had to go placate the kiddo, as he's bored.
Right now, I'm learning all about the delivery room. Here's to the FF's uterus -- you are a woman amongst women.
Posted by: jane | February 23, 2008 at 01:14 PM
Haven't started listening to the show yet, are you uploading it to Itunes today?
I liked this movie... but sadly it's where my strong dislike for Alec Baldwin began!
Posted by: Carla | February 23, 2008 at 01:15 PM
The term is 'boy-shorts.' Nice to know that obstetrics provides trendy post-birth wear.
Posted by: jane | February 23, 2008 at 01:17 PM
No iTunes uploading until Tuesday. Gotta keep the Oscar show there for now.
Posted by: Spears | February 23, 2008 at 01:19 PM
Props to Sean for his delivery room technique. I'm strictly a "north of the border" guy in that situation.
Those folks are paid enough that they don't need my help under the hood.
Posted by: Jeff in Cuba | February 23, 2008 at 01:21 PM
Soundtrack-wise, "Pretty in Pink" rules. Hands down. Had it on vinyl. *high fives Mr. Spears*
Posted by: jane | February 23, 2008 at 01:21 PM
Ahh, the tragic Kirsty MacColl.
I was really upset when that she was killed by that crazy Mexican boater.
Posted by: Jeff in Cuba | February 23, 2008 at 01:31 PM
Aaaaaaand I just squeeeeed, merely at the mention of Stewart Copeland's name.
Mr. Daly, Funyons to you for the shout-out.
Posted by: jane | February 23, 2008 at 01:32 PM
I can so relate to Sean talking about seeing The FF's uterus. I watched my second daughter's birth, and my quote for the day was, "That was the most amazing and disgusting thing I have ever seen."
Posted by: Bassnote | February 23, 2008 at 01:43 PM
The Colonel! In the Pentaverate, along with The Queen, the Vatican, the Gettys and the Rothchilds.
Posted by: jane | February 23, 2008 at 01:44 PM
Hey, I scored another mention on the 'cast!
Even though Steve couldn't disagree with me more, it certainly feeds my solipsistic world view.
Posted by: Jeff in Cuba | February 23, 2008 at 01:48 PM
Very fun, gentlemen.
I laughed. I cried. It was better than Cats.
Posted by: jane | February 23, 2008 at 01:49 PM
Ah yes, Mr. Spears understands the genius that was the music to Sixteen Candles, putting it as #2 on his top 5.
Posted by: Bassnote | February 23, 2008 at 01:50 PM
Sorry about that, Jeff. It's probably the one soundtrack that I can picture every scene along with the song.
Posted by: Spears | February 23, 2008 at 01:51 PM
Steve,
So can I, but I still think of them first and foremost as great songs, not great songs from a movie. I feel the same way about "Pretty in Pink", but as I said to Sean, I feel that soundtrack gets an unfoar advantage from the iconic eponymous track.
Posted by: Jeff in Cuba | February 23, 2008 at 02:02 PM
I'm home. Everyone has vacated the blog. I'm all alone and listening to the podcast.
Thank you for officially introducing us to "Axel Rose's" Momma. Such a funny and sweet exchange. Big awwww!
Posted by: Marissa | February 23, 2008 at 08:05 PM
Hunter Spears? ha! Dag as a middle name?
Posted by: Marissa | February 23, 2008 at 08:21 PM
Dang, I hate being all alone. ::crickets::
Posted by: Marissa | February 23, 2008 at 08:23 PM
This has nothing to do with the 'cast, but it's frickin' hi-larious.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oi0nHFiQoWw
We lived in Barstow before coming here and I recognize every location!
Posted by: Jeff in Cuba | February 23, 2008 at 09:49 PM
You're not alone.
Posted by: Spears | February 23, 2008 at 09:53 PM
Dang! It's an hour later. I wasn't here when Spearsy stopped by. I feel so deprived.
Posted by: Marissa | February 23, 2008 at 10:51 PM